Scheduled 14 CFR 121 operation of CONTINENTAL AIRLINES CORP.
(D.B.A. TEXAS INT'L AIRLINES INC.)
WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH, SMOKE AND FLAMES DEVELOPED IN CABIN ABOVE OVERHEAD LUGGAGE BINS OVER SEATS 16A,B & C. ACFT WAS WITHIN 2 MILES OF RWY. CREW DECLARED EMERGENCY, LANDED, TURNED OFF RWY EXPEDITIOUSLY, STOPPED ON RWY 18, & EVACUATED. SMOKE POURED FROM THE OPENED CABIN DOORS. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT A CEILING FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE SHORTED INTERNALLY RESULTING
IN THE FIRE. AN AD WAS ISSUED WHICH REQUIRED THE INSTALLATION OF A FUSE ASSEMBLY IN THE INPUT WIRE TO THE BALLAST.
Probable Cause
Passenger compartment light(s)..Shorted
Acft/equip, inadequate design..Manufacturer
Passenger compartment light(s)..Arcing